AUTHENTIC A.V. COWBOY TO RIDE IN STYLE AS PARADE GRAND MARSHAL.

Byline: Peggy Hager Staff Writer

QUARTZ HILL - Outfitted in blue jeans, cowboy boots and hat, and a bandanna tied around his neck, George Lane looks every bit the part of the traditional cowboy.

It's a role he's played his entire life and one he'll relish Saturday, when he rides his horse Sterling down Lancaster Boulevard as grand marshal of the annual Antelope Valley Fair Parade.

``It was quite an honor to be picked grand marshal,'' said the 54-year-old Antelope Valley native, ``although I feel too young to be grand marshal.''

With his wife, Charlene, the grand marshal owns and operates the 80-acre Lane Ranch, which was established in the 1930s by his grandfather, George W. Lane. In the 1950s, Lane's parents, Frank and Yvonne, took over operations, with the younger George eventually following in their footsteps.

Lane hopes his son, Justin, will one day take over the horse and cattle operation, although at age 14, Justin is more interested in architecture and training to compete in the 2008 Olympics in the modern pentathlon.

Once surrounded by empty desert, Lane Ranch - with 40 horses and 40 head of cattle - is nearly encircled by development. Quartz Hill High School is across the street, with residential subdivisions on two sides.

``When you look at the growth, I don't know if the ranch will be here in 20 years or so, but definitely for the next 10 years,'' Lane said.

Since the 1980s, Charlene and George Lane have trained specialty horses and livestock for motion pictures, television and commercials. Lane spent a month in Rosarita, Mexico, while his horses were used in the filming of the blockbuster film ``Titanic.''

Lane also has restored several vintage wagons, including a stagecoach used by Wells Fargo Bank in events all over the country.

He also is president of Monte Vista Building Sites Inc., a company started by his father and grandfather in the 1950s that develops and manages commercial properties throughout the Antelope Valley.

In his spare time, Lane enjoys team penning, roping and horse shows.

In addition to his businesses, Lane is a member of the finance committee of the Antelope Valley East Kern Water Agency and of the Antelope Valley State Water Contractors Board.

Lane has been involved in many community organizations and is a former director of the Antelope Valley Fair Board, president of the Quartz Hill Chamber and director of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade. He also has held positions with the Lancaster West Rotary, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, YMCA and Elks Lodge No. 162.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

(color) Parade grand marshal George Lane, 54, rides Quigley, one of the 40 horses inhabiting the 80-acre Lane Ranch in Quartz Hill.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer